Shakespeare's Houses & Gardens

The picturesque medieval market town of Stratford-upon-Avon is world-renowned as the birthplace of William Shakespeare, and following in the footsteps of the iconic wordsmith is the No. 1 pastime for visitors. Stratford-upon-Avon is home to five of Shakespeare's houses and gardens, owned and maintained by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
First up is Shakespeare’s childhood home, restored in period style and home to Joan Hart's Cottage, John Shakespeare's workshop and a collection of Shakespeare’s books and first editions. A short walk away, Anne Hathaway's Cottage was the childhood home of Shakespeare's wife, Anne, and is renowned for its exquisite gardens, Tudor Courtship Exhibition and Cottage Garden Café. Mary Arden’s Farm, the childhood home of Shakespeare's mother Mary Arden, is another highlight, where visitors can experience life on a real Tudor farm, watch Falconry and Blacksmith demonstrations, and meet the farm animals. There’s also the timber-framed Hall's Croft, once home to Susanna Shakespeare and her husband, Dr John Hall, and New Place and Nash’s House, Shakespeare's family home from 1597 and where he died in 1616. 
All of the houses have permanent exhibitions that offer a fascinating glimpse into Shakespeare’s life and works, but the most atmospheric time to visit is during the summer, when the houses host a range of special events, reenactments and family activities.

Practical Info

Shakespeare's Houses & Gardens are all located in Stratford-upon-Avon in central England and all the houses are open daily year-round except Mary Arden’s farm, which is closed from November-February. Adult admission fees range from £7 to £11.50, but the best way to visit is with a Shakespeare Five House Pass, which offers discounted access to all the houses.

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is renovating New Place. It is scheduled to open again on April 23, 2016.